'The families of girls are extremely supportive'

Asked if the girls faced any resistance from their kin, Ghosh was quick to add, "Not at all."

"On the contrary, the parents of these girls inspire and support. We invite them to football tournaments and they are very happy to see their daughters in action," said Ghosh.

Ghosh's words were seconded by Bobita, Archana and Shyamali Mahato, three 'promising stars' of Sridam XI. Bobita studies in Class X, Archana is pursuing her graduation and Shyamali is studying in Class XII.

'We want to make it big as footballers'

For these girls, even watching a big football game on television is a novelty. "Will we ever get a chance to take part in such tournaments," wondered Archana.

There is a huge pressure on Shyamali to get married but "I am putting it off fearing my in-laws may not allow me to play football." As for Archana, her parents want her to grow up as a competent footballer and land herself a good job as a player.

Their team member Tania Mudi too has an interesting tale.

She was somewhat socially ostracised because of her father's alleged Maoist link. But once Tania joined the football team, it earned her a position of repute.

"I am ever indebted to Sridam sir for granting me a place in his team. Each time I dribble past an opponent team's player in any tournament, it makes me forget my past," Tania said.

Her father, Saktipada Mudi, is happy to see the smile back on his daughter's face. As a gesture of gratitude to Ghosh, he has set aside nine bighas of his family land for a football academy.

"In case Sridam sir gets government aid to set up a football academy in the area, he can use this land," Tania said.

No aid from the state government

Hard work put in by the team has paid off and they have won many accolades.

In the Junglemahal Cup 2012 tournament held last September, a team from Jharkhand emerged the winner whereas Sridam XI was the runner up.

Though Ghosh intends to organise many such tournaments in future, financial constraint is a major deterrent.

No aid from the state government

"On many occasions, we appealed to the state government for monetary assistance but in vain. We visited the Writers' Building a number of times to have a talk with our Sports Minister Madan Mitra but could not meet him," laments Ghosh.

He fished out a letter from his pocket dated March 7, 2012 addressed to the private secretary to minister of state, sports department, Writers' Building. It contained a plea to grant some money to the team to set up a football academy.

"We have the land. All we need from the government is the necessary financial aid to form an academy," Ghosh said.

"Junglemahal is much more peaceful now. Boys and girls of the area are enjoying a new lease of life through these football matches."

"Many of them want to mature into skilled footballers. A small aid from the government will help their dreams fructify," he added.

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Image: Ghosh with letters written to the government.Photographs: Dipak Chakraborty

Can media be of any help?

Ghosh welcomes any visit by the media to the Salboni stadium. "Through you, we want our voice to be heard," he said.

However, repeated calls made by rediff.com to the state government's sports department went unanswered though a senior official, who did not want to be named, confirmed that they did receive such a letter.

For the time being, Ghosh will have to chase his dream with whatever little resources he has. He has to keep hoping that a substantial aid will pour in eventually from some benevolent corner.

Till then, the likes of Archana, Tania and Bobita will have continue putting their best forward.